Fascinating Facts: 3 Things You Didn’t Know About Dental Implants

Many experts consider dental implants the ideal way to rebuild smiles after tooth loss because of their many unique benefits. These are the only restorations that are embedded directly into your jaw and are biocompatible, so they eventually fuse with the bone. As a result, they tend to be more resilient and last longer than alternatives, like dentures or bridges.

But that’s not all there is to know about these incredibly lifelike replacement teeth. Continue reading to learn 3 fascinating facts that you might not already know about dental implants!

Fact #1: They’re Made of the Same Materials as Missiles

Although some providers offer implants made from resilient ceramic, like zirconia, sources estimate that about 95% of those placed in North America use supports made from titanium. This incredibly lightweight metal is also durable enough to withstand the pressure of everyday biting and chewing. Not only that, but it also is non-toxic, resists corrosion, and is unlikely to trigger metal allergies or other sensitivities, making it ideal for use in oral prosthetics.

Surprisingly, these traits are also what make this material ideal for longer-range airborne and waterborne weapons, like missiles. It’s also used by NASA in different components of space shuttles!

Fact #2: They Can’t Get Cavities

If you suffered tooth loss due to severe tooth decay, you might worry that your dental implant is more likely to fail. Thankfully, these resilient replacement teeth aren’t made from the same organic components as your natural enamel, so bacteria in your mouth don’t affect them the same way. They can’t develop decay, but that doesn’t mean that you no longer need to be concerned with dental hygiene.

Peri-implantitis, a form of gum disease, is the leading cause of failure and occurs when harmful bacteria in your mouth penetrate the surgical site. Fortunately, it can often be prevented by brushing and flossing twice daily and visiting your dentist for a routine checkup and cleaning every 6 months.

Fact #3: They Can Help You Look Younger

Did you know that your jawbone starts thinning after teeth go missing? Under normal circumstances, your roots stimulate new bone growth each time you bite down. When they are lost, your jaw begins to degenerate, which can also alter the shape of your face.

For instance, you might develop a more protruded chin, as well as additional fine lines or facial wrinkles, as the muscles and tissues connected to your jaw start to slacken. Dental implants are the only restorations that function like the roots of your teeth to keep your jaw active and healthy, to preserve a younger-looking visage.

If you have other unanswered questions or would like more information about dental implants, you can learn more by scheduling an appointment with your dentist!

Meet the Author

Dr. Kenneth Canzoneri is a highly accomplished dentist who is passionate about helping people of all ages build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the Northwestern Dental School, and today, he offers a complete menu of services, including dental implants, using state-of-the-art technology. He partners with local specialists for more accurate implant placement, then can provide a lifelike restoration for beautiful, reliable results. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling (626) 446-1679.